The best places to apply an HRT patch are on the lower abdomen, upper buttocks, or outer hip area, specifically on clean, dry, and hairless skin below the waist.
Another reason why HRT should be applied below the waist is because the hormones are absorbed better by fatty tissue, such as the lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
on top of cuts, spots or irritated skin. under elasticated or tight areas of clothing. on creases or folds in your skin. on your skin if you have recently used cream, talc or moisturiser.
After starting HRT, you may notice the following changes:
How Estrogen Replacement Therapy Can Help with Belly Fat During Menopause. Recent studies show that menopausal women on hormone therapy tend to have less body fat, especially visceral belly fat. Because estrogen affects how your body distributes fat, low estrogen levels can contribute to gaining fat in your belly area.
One side effect experienced by some women taking HRT is water retention and bloating. This experience can feel much the same as weight gain. This might relate to the type of progestogen used. Specialist adjustments to both the dose and type of HRT can often help.
HRT patches are worn below the waist because the hormones are better absorbed by the fatty tissue on the thigh, buttocks or lower abdomen. They must also be applied below the breast because HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Evorel and Estradot have some differences in size, adhesion, and tolerability for sensitive skin. The best choice depends on individual factors such as skin sensitivity, patch size, and how well it sticks to your skin. Estradot patches are smaller, which some women prefer, while Evorel may adhere better for others.
You should apply your patch to clean, dry skin below your waist. You can choose to stick it to your tummy, hip, bottom or thigh – wherever suits you best. You might notice some skin irritation when you remove a patch, so it's a good idea to vary the location rather than apply it to the same place each time.
The combined data also showed that the onset of efficacy is within 1 to 2 weeks after the start of therapy and that efficacy is fully sustained during the 7-day patch wear period with some diminution of effect during the treatment-free week of each cycle.
Take this medicine with food. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may change the amount of this medicine that is absorbed in the body.
Peel off the backing from the patch and apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hair-free area of the lower stomach or upper buttock area. This area must be free of powder, oil, or lotion for the patch to stick on to your skin. Press the patch firmly in place with your hand for about 10 seconds.
HRT has been shown to reduce belly fat buildup during menopause, but it does not directly lead to weight loss. HRT improves sleep (by helping with night sweats), mood, and joint pain, which may help you feel more motivated to eat well and lose weight.
You can drink alcohol while taking HRT but it may be helpful to cut down on caffeine and alcohol during the menopause to reduce symptoms of flushing, and improve your sleep. Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? You can eat and drink normally while taking continuous combined HRT.
Put your patch on below your waist, for example buttock, thigh or lower abdomen. Avoid places where tight clothing may rub it off. Do not apply the patch over a skin fold or on hair.
How to use HRT patches
It can vary significantly depending on where it's applied, the thickness and hydration of the skin, local blood flow and even enzyme activity in the area. Factors like body fat, temperature, and individual skin characteristics all play a role.
DIET SHOULD BE LOW IN
Many women notice an increase in belly fat as they get older even if they don't gain weight. This is likely due to a lower level of estrogen because estrogen seems to have an effect on where fat is located in the body. Genes can contribute to an individual's chances of being overweight or obese too.
Overall, you may gain or lose weight once you begin hormone therapy, depending on your diet, lifestyle, genetics and muscle mass. Your eyes and face will begin to develop a more feminine appearance as the fat under the skin increases and shifts.
This is because skin thickness, fat distribution, and blood flow differ by location. We recommend: Applying to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen, hips, or buttocks. For people with an apron belly, or a crease under their belly, place the patch on the upper buttocks, upper outer thigh, or lower back.
Here are six estrogen-positive foods to avoid:
What does a hormonal belly look like? A hormonal belly typically appears as accumulated fat around your waist, typically towards your lower waist. There are a few tell-tale signs that this excess weight is due to hormonal causes: You're only gaining weight around your abdomen.